SEMA 2015
Las Vegas, NVTuesday, November 3, 2015
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is the premier automotive aftermarket trade show in the world. It is safe to say that if it has wheels it is represented at this show. What it comes down to is; if you want to stay competitive in the automotive aftermarket you have to be on top of the latest trends, hot new products and even prototypes for the future and that all can be done right here at SEMA. All the new technology in engine diagnostics, performance tuning, wheel and tire design, mounting and balancing and so much more is right there on the show floor for you to see and touch for yourself. Every shop needs equipment and all the new tools are here at SEMA. There are many product demonstrations each day and in some cases you can even take the products for a test drive too.
SEMA is a must for a business wanting the tools to grow and thrive into the future. There are educational seminars, councils and networks to help your business tackle issues and challenges that arise and business resources and solutions to aid you in cost-saving that can reduce some costs of day to day operations. The list goes on as to what SEMA can do for your business even things like government affairs and research that are industry focused are supported by SEMA.
Yes, SEMA has the best of the best when it comes to cars, trucks, Jeeps, motorcycles, hot rods and everything in between. It also has the Battle of the Builders which takes place during SEMA Ignited, the official SEMA show after party. SEMA Ignited takes place outside the convention center the evening after the SEMA show. The event includes food, music, displays and of course hundreds of cars and trucks from the SEMA show and with the purchase of a ticket the public can attend.
Year after year as I attend SEMA I feel more overwhelmed than the year before. It grows by leaps and bounds so much with each passing year I almost feel like I cannot possibly complete my tasks. There is so much to cover in four days and just think since the Las Vegas Convention Center has purchased the old Rivera Hotel and Casino and plan the to expand the convention center that means even more ground to cover in the future.
What I have learned over the years is to have a plan and know what you want to see and where it is. The SEMA app helps navigate and organize things pretty well but there is a lot to distract you from your plan so you have to stay focused. This year I made my usual appointments with exhibitors and attended press conferences. I always make time to look over the many new products that come to SEMA every year. This year the new products showcase featured nearly 2,500 new parts, tools and components. I also try to spend as much time in each hall every day of the show just to see what jumps out at me. This year I averaged about 11,952.5 steps a day which is equal to 5.12 miles a day. Keep in mind with that being said I still was only able to cover about 40 percent of the show.
There is as much to see outside the Las Vegas Convention Center as there is inside and I always feel like I just did not see enough but nevertheless I do see a great deal of the show. I take home with me an experience of a lifetime and so much invaluable information that it takes me a few days to come back to reality once I am home. I certainly will return next year with a better plan and more comfortable shoes.
Article and photos by: Allen Smith – Smitty’s Rod & Custom